Ashour D., Subbarayan P., Adiani L., Boyoglu S., Mohammad G., Rangari V., Jeelani S., Ram Singh S., Pillai S.
Alabama State University, US
Keywords: antimicrobial properties, silver-CNT
Surface microbial infestation of biomedical devices such as catheters, prosthetics, and implants can result in serious infection and device failure. Surface-centered infections are also implicated in food spoilage, and spread of food-borne diseases. Hence, there is significant interest in the development of antimicrobial materials and surfaces for many industries including health and biomedical devices, pharmacy, defense, food, textile automobile, agriculture and personal hygiene. Antimicrobial coatings need to combine desirable attributes such as potent antibacterial efficacy, environmental safety, low toxicity, and ease of fabrication. In this study, nylon nano-composite fibers infused with silver coated multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated to enhance the mechanical, thermal and antimicrobial properties of the textile fibers. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely used in many areas due to their unique structure, excellent mechanical and electrical properties and high surface area. They also exhibit incredible tensile strength. On the other hand silver ions demonstrate broad-spectrum biocidal activity towards many different bacteria, fungi and viruses and are well known to be the only heavy metal that is harmless to the human body. This study aimed to combine the advantages of both CNTs and silver in the fabricated nylon textile fibers.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Nanotechnology 2009: Life Sciences, Medicine, Diagnostics, Bio Materials and Composites
Published: May 3, 2009
Pages: 310 - 313
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Medical & Biotech
Topic: Biomaterials
ISBN: 978-1-4398-1783-4